For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index rose by 2.84% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced market fundamentals.
• The average Sodium Lignosulphonate price for the quarter was USD 627.67/MT (FOB Texas trades) reported.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price remained steady in September 2025 amid ample inventories and balanced demand.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Forecast aligns with stable trends, suggesting limited near-term upside due to modest demand.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Production Cost Trend eased as feedstock costs held steady, supporting resilient margins and pricing.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Demand Outlook remains tempered by construction sector softness, balancing upside from industrial applications.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index reflects stable domestic flows, with imports from Europe maintaining predictable pricing.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index trajectory supports cautious procurement, with forward bookings hedging against potential freight delays.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Seasonal demand and inventories drove price momentum in Q3 2025 North America overall.
• Logistics resilience and production costs constrained volatility, supporting a cautious price posture through late Q3.
• Import flow from Europe and available inventories supported the price to move slight trajectory in Q3 2025 North America.
APAC
• In China, the Sodium Lignosulfonate Price Index rose by 3.71% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, reflecting balanced supply and steady demand.
• The average Sodium Lignosulfonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 270.33/MT, underpinning steady market fundamentals.
• Sodium Lignosulfonate Spot Price remained broadly stable amid ample Chinese supply, soft demand signals, and steady input costs.
• Sodium Lignosulfonate Price Forecast points to limited near-term upside as construction activity stabilizes and export demand stays tepid.
• Sodium Lignosulfonate Production Cost Trend signals subdued raw-material costs offset by logistics pressures.
• Sodium Lignosulfonate Demand Outlook remains cautious due to weak construction momentum and lingering weather disruptions.
• Sodium Lignosulfonate Price Index trends show sideways movement as inventories stay high and feeding costs ease.
• Logistics bottlenecks and port congestion during monsoon contributed to slight price changes despite demand softness in APAC.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulfonate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Logistical disruptions amid seasonal weather and port congestion tightened distribution and supported price changes overall.
• Inventory buildup and currency move tempered downside but overall price trend remained cautious.
Europe
• In Europe, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index rose by 1.27% quarter-over-quarter, supported by robust construction demand under the EU Green Deal and steady Nordic supply.
• The average Sodium Lignosulphonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 718.33/MT, reflecting balanced demand from infrastructure projects and bio-based innovations.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price strengthened in Q3 2025, driven by water-reducing admixtures in sustainable concrete.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Forecast indicates moderate growth into Q4 2025, tempered by potential energy cost stabilization.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Demand Outlook remains robust, fueled by overseas export demand and eco-friendly building mandates.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Production Cost Trend uptick due to elevated wood pulp feedstock prices amid supply chain adjustments.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• The price increased primarily due to heightened export pulls to North America and tighter regional inventories from seasonal restocking.
• Persistent demand from concrete admixtures absorbed available supply, while logistics delays in Baltic ports amplified cost pressures.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index rose by 3.20% quarter-over-quarter, supported by restricted import flows and construction demand.
• The average Sodium Lignosulphonate price for the quarter was approximately USD 709/MT, reflecting stable demand and supply.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price improved slightly in Q3 2025, influenced by import prices and construction sector activity.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Forecast suggests limited upside in the near term due to import cost pressures and steady demand.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Demand Outlook remains solid, driven by construction projects and vision-driven infrastructure programs in MEA.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price fluctuations may arise from port congestion risks and currency movements recently.
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Demand Outlook and Price Index trend point to cautious inventory management by builders and distributors.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Rising import costs and freight delays contributed to elevated price momentum.
• Steady construction demand supported consumption while inventory restocking constrained supply dynamics during quarter-end activity levels.
• Logistics tightness and port throughput improvements created mixed effects on availability and costs regionally lately.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America:
• North American Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price rose in Q2 2025, especially in USA, where prices rose by 9.2%, settling at USD 652/MT FOB Texas in June.
• The quarterly bullish trend was primarily fueled by persistent supply-side constraints, including limited import volumes due to port congestion in Northern Europe (Antwerp, Hamburg, Bremerhaven), disrupting inland freight and tightening U.S. inbound availability.
• Domestic manufacturing faced intermittent pressure, as the U.S. chemical sector experienced sluggish activity amid broader industrial contraction, exacerbated by escalating trade tensions and prolonged regulatory uncertainty.
• Demand-side dynamics remained mixed throughout the quarter. Early-quarter caution among downstream buyers, particularly from the construction sector, was driven by elevated mortgage rates and subdued homebuilder sentiment, suppressing procurement activity despite rising inventory levels.
• Late May and June marked a modest recovery in consumption, as improved housing outlook and anticipated mortgage rate relief encouraged downstream restocking across cement and coating segments—key consumers of Sodium Lignosulphonate.
• Input cost stability, especially for caustic soda, supported margin consistency for domestic producers, enabling stable operating rates and neutralizing any upward cost-push pressures from feedstocks.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate not change in July 2025 in the North American region?
• In July 2025, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index in the North American region remained stable, as demand normalization aligned with consistent supply chain operations.
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate Cost and Import Trend showed steady production pricing and uninterrupted inflows from Europe, supporting a balanced market during the peak construction season.
APAC:
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate spot price in APAC increased in Q2 2025 especially in China by rose by 3.2%, reaching USD 288/MT FOB Qingdao by the end of June.
• Production remained stable in China throughout the quarter, backed by healthy feedstock availability.
• Port congestion across major Chinese terminals—including Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao—persisted during April and May, resulting in vessel queues exceeding in Shanghai-Ningbo and contributing to elevated on-site inventories and delivery delays.
• Domestic demand remained subdued in April and May, as the construction sector continued to face headwinds due to prolonged property market weakness.
• International demand also remained limited, constrained by prolonged U.S.–China trade tensions and reduced buying interest from Southeast Asian markets.
• By June, restocking demand improved, supported by China’s urban infrastructure stimulus policies and investments in International Consumption Centers across key hubs, which spurred localized construction activity.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate change in July 2025 in the APAC region?
• In July 2025, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index in the APAC region registered a marginal uptick, supported by a mild recovery in demand from the downstream construction and adhesive sectors.
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate Market Activity showed cautious restocking behavior among traders, aligning with slightly improved seasonal demand.
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Forecast points to modest upward movement, with gradual demand improvement likely to support near-term pricing firmness.
Europe:
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price in Europe rose during Q2 2025, especially in Swedish market where it rose by 4.8%, settling at USD 550/MT FOB Gothenburg in June.
• Bullish price momentum was supported by a tightening supply environment and persistent logistical disruptions, including severe port congestion at key Northern European terminals such as Hamburg, Antwerp, and Bremerhaven. Contributing factors included off-schedule vessel arrivals, labor strikes, and adverse weather, which extended turnaround times and curtailed shipment efficiency during the quarter.
• Demand fundamentals remained mixed across Q2. While residential and commercial construction sectors remained weakly impacted by macroeconomic headwinds, constrained capital expenditure, and subdued housing demand—civil engineering projects demonstrated stability, cushioning the overall demand dip.
• Export demand from overseas markets such as the U.S. and APAC offered modest support, particularly in June, though buyers remained cautious in light of global tariff uncertainties and rising financing costs.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate change in July 2025 in the European region?
• In July 2025, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index in the European region showed upward movement, supported by resilient domestic downstream demand that maintained strong consumption levels.
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate Inventory Trend indicated tight stock levels, which may have limited supply availability and contributed to price firmness.
MEA:
• Sodium Lignosulphonate Spot Price in the MEA region rose in Q2 2025 especially in Saudi Arabia where it increased by 6.4%, settling at USD 695/MT CFR Jeddah by June-end.
• The quarter's upward pricing momentum was supported by periodic supply-side constraints, notably tight inventory levels post-Ramadan, moderate inbound cargo delays, and constrained import flows from overseas market amid escalating trade tensions and logistical inefficiencies.
• Demand fundamentals were anchored by Saudi Arabia’s booming construction sector, supported by Vision 2030-driven infrastructure projects, green building initiatives, and public-private partnerships. By Q2, Madinah alone registered over 213 active projects worth SR210 billion, with construction employing 24% of the local workforce.
• Late quarter price gains were marginal but steady, as anticipatory restocking and improved freight market efficiency supported slight price upticks.
Why did the price of Sodium Lignosulphonate change in July 2025 in the MEA region?
• In July 2025, the Sodium Lignosulphonate Price Index in the MEA region experienced upward movement, supported by resilient domestic downstream demand that maintained firm consumption levels.
• The Sodium Lignosulphonate Supply Trend reflected tight inventory conditions, potentially limiting the ability to meet end-user requirements and contributing to price increases.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North Americ
In Q1 2025, the North American Sodium Lignosulphonate market experienced a bullish trend driven by several key factors. January started with stable supply and steady production costs, but a surge in demand from the construction sector, fueled by post-holiday restocking, began to create upward price pressure. Despite the challenges posed by logistics disruptions and potential tariff uncertainties, strong domestic demand supported the price rally. As the month progressed, inventory levels tightened, further boosting the bullish sentiment in the market.
In February, the trend strengthened with firm demand from both domestic and international markets. Construction activity improved, underpinned by increasing job growth and easing inflationary concerns, which spurred higher procurement volumes. Additionally, stable feedstock prices and improved manufacturing conditions contributed to a supportive production environment, keeping supply levels in check and allowing prices to rise gradually.
By the late quarter, the market saw a noticeable increase in procurement activity, driven by growing confidence in the construction sector and tighter inventories. Overall, the bullish trend was driven by strong downstream demand, tight supply and favorable market conditions, leading to a positive outlook for Sodium Lignosulphonate prices in North America.
Europe
In the early quarter of 2025, the European Sodium Lignosulphonate market exhibited a bullish trend, driven by several supportive factors. The recovery of the construction sector in key export markets, particularly the U.S., bolstered international demand, positively impacting market sentiment. The manufacturing sector in Europe demonstrated resilience, signaling robust industrial activity. This growth in manufacturing output, coupled with steady domestic consumption, ensured a consistent demand for Sodium Lignosulphonate. Supply chains remained relatively uninterrupted, despite minor logistical challenges, while tight inventory levels across the region contributed to a bullish market. Strong export demand and a favorable exchange rate also played a role in strengthening the market, with the U.S. dollar’s upward trend making European exports more competitive. As a result, Sodium Lignosulphonate prices saw a gradual increase over the quarter, reflecting the positive momentum. By the end of Q1 2025, the market in Norway rose by 2.4%, with prices reaching USD 685/MT FOB Fredrikstad, marking a clear bullish trend for the region.
APAC
In Q1 2025, the APAC Sodium Lignosulphonate market experienced a bullish trend driven by several key factors. In January and February 2025, Sodium Lignosulphonate in the APAC region experienced a consistent upward trend. January began with stability in the Chinese market, but by mid-month, there was an increase due to constrained inventory levels and rising production costs, particularly from higher feedstock costs. This positive momentum continued through February, supported by steady supply dynamics, stable feedstock costs, while improving demand from the construction sector. In the late month of quarter, however, the trend reversed slightly. Although supply-side pressures, including increased feedstock costs, persisted, demand from the construction sector weakened, leading to a decline in market activity. Logistics disruptions and slower replenishment activity further added to the downward pressure. As a result, despite continued supply challenges, the overall market saw a softening, reflecting a modest decline. Throughout the region, the Chinese market saw the most significant changes, with the value holding steady at USD 279/MT FOB Qingdao. However, the quarter concluded with a 2.5% increase compared to the previous quarter's end.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the North American Sodium Lignosulphonate market showed a declining trend in November and December after a period of stability in October. The stability in October was driven by optimal production levels, moderate domestic demand, and some logistical challenges due to ongoing strikes disrupting overseas exports. However, as the quarter progressed, demand began to soften, particularly in the construction sector, a traditional key driver of consumption.
While homebuilder sentiment showed slight improvement early in the quarter, it was short-lived due to rising construction costs and political uncertainty, which weighed on market conditions. By November, despite the ongoing logistical disruptions, the supply of Sodium Lignosulphonate remained plentiful, resulting in elevated inventory levels and an oversupply situation. Demand continued to decline, further contributing to price decreases.
In December, the trend persisted, with reduced demand, especially from construction, and high inventory levels. Inflationary pressures led to cautious procurement, which exacerbated the market downturn. As a result, the North American Sodium Lignosulphonate market experienced a bearish trend, with oversupply outpacing weak demand, causing a price decline of 8.9% over the quarter.
APAC
During the final quarter of 2024, the APAC market for Sodium Lignosulfonate experienced a rising trend, supported by a combination of supply dynamics and improving demand from downstream sectors, particularly construction. Despite ongoing challenges in the Chinese construction sector, largely due to the weak real estate market, there were signs of recovery in manufacturing activity, which contributed to moderate supply levels. Manufacturing continued at steady rates, with production costs remaining stable despite fluctuating feedstock prices like wood pulp and caustic soda. Additionally, supply chain disruptions from the Golden Week holidays and logistical challenges did not create significant downward pressure on supply, as adequate production capacity remained in place to meet demand. Meanwhile, demand from neighbouring regions, particularly India, showed positive activity, providing some support to the market. This helped alleviate some of the pressures from a subdued domestic construction market in China. While challenges persisted, the overall market showed resilience due to improved downstream demand and stable supply conditions, contributing to a more positive outlook for Sodium Lignosulfonate in Q4 2024. As a result, market witnessed a 3.6% price rise during the quarter.
MEA
In Q4 2024, the MEA market for Sodium Lignosulphonate saw an overall declining trend, despite a brief marginal improvement in early October. The market was impacted by an influx of low-cost imports, increasing supply and applying downward pressure on prices. While demand remained moderate due to ongoing construction activities, high inventory levels from aggressive procurement in previous weeks intensified the oversupply situation, particularly in November and December. Despite stable production and positive growth in domestic manufacturing, the surplus supply outweighed demand, with logistical challenges from global shipping disruptions adding further strain. The construction sector, a major consumer, struggled to meet demand due to cautious spending and supply chain issues. Prices declined steadily throughout November and December, as excess inventory accumulated, and market sentiment remained cautious. Some stabilization was observed in the last week of December, driven by the clearance of excess inventories and consistent imports. As a result, Sodium Lignosulphonate prices declined by 4.0% by the end of the quarter.
Europe
The European Sodium Lignosulphonate market remained stable with minor fluctuations in Q4 2024. Demand from the key downstream construction sector was subdued, especially as Germany, a major market, experienced a downturn in October, November, and December. This decline was driven by broader economic pressures and reduced investment in construction projects across the region, which affected both activity and new orders. The subdued demand from construction prevented upward price movement, with Sodium Lignosulphonate prices staying relatively stable throughout the quarter. By December 2024, construction activity continued to face challenges. Despite slight increases in some indexes, these remained below growth levels, marking several months of contraction. Housing activity saw a significant decline, and the commercial and civil engineering sectors also showed negative growth, though at a slower pace. Both Germany and France faced difficulties, with France experiencing its largest contraction since April, resulting in notable job cuts in the sector. This overall subdued construction activity kept demand for Sodium Lignosulphonate in check throughout the quarter.
